Question

Cation a has a +3 charge and is small. cation b has a +1 charge and is large. which is more likely to occupy negatively charged sites on a clay mineral given equal concentrations in solution? cation a cation b they are the same

Answer 1

Correct Answer: Cation -A

Given that both the cations, cation-A and cation -B have the same concentrations.

Charge on cation-A is +3, while charge on cation- B is +1. Cations with higher charge can easily substitute those present on the clay minerals. Cations with higher charge have a greater affinity for the negatively charged sites present on the clay mineral. So, cation -A with a charge of +3 is more likely to occupy the anionic sites on the clay mineral.